Child's Friend and Youth's Magazine (Volume 2)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1844. Excerpt: ... IMMORTAL LIFE. Mother, said James, as he raised his eyes from the book he was reading, what does this mean? 'There is such a thing as experience of immortality, even in this life.' Immortality is life without any end; now how can we experience it here in this life that we know must end? Mother. Are you not, James, conscious of something within you, of some feelings, and desires, that you arc sure will have no end? James. I don't know, mother; I and all' I am must die. Mother. Not so, my child: it is true that much that constitutes yourbeing must die, --your body certainly, and much of what you call yourself; but is there not something left of you that you feel will live forever? James. I don't know, mother, I don't think I understand you quite. 1--No. i. Mother. I heard you say to-day that you hated Tom Dickens; do you think that feeling can live forever? James. I suppose not; when he is more agreeable, I dare say I shall like him again. Mother. You said once that you hated study, that you did not care for learning anything, that you had rather play all the time: do you feel so now? James. No, mother, I love study now. Mother. Did I not some time ago hear you say, that when your father took Edward up in his lap, and praised him, you felt angry, and did not love your brother? Could that feeling live forever in your heart?. James. Oh no! I hate to think of it now. I am sure it is dead already. Mother. Now let us see, James; you are now only twelve years old, but let us see if we cannot find something in you, that may and will live forever. When you were a very little boy, you were afraid to speak the truth; but you have since learned so to love truth, that no dread of punishment would induce you to utter a falsehood: do you think this love of the truth wi...